Many Indians today are kept in a constant state of religious emotion in the name of protecting faith.
Pawan Kalyan, projecting himself as a Sanatana Dharma Parirakshak, has repeatedly given the impression that Hinduism is under serious threat.
However, India is not Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, or the United States, where Hindus face large-scale attacks or lynchings. India has largely remained a peaceful country.
By keeping people emotionally charged on religious lines, rulers divert attention from real and urgent issues such as world-class road infrastructure, quality jobs, better healthcare and improved living conditions. These are the true needs of today’s India.
Even if one assumes Hinduism is under threat, a serious question arises. Who is actually causing that threat?
Take Sankranthi as an example. Today, many harmful practices like cockfights gambling and vulgar club dances dominate the festival. Traditional celebrations such as Bhogi mantalu, payasam cooking, cattle races and agricultural customs are pushed into the background.
Large amounts of black money change hands during cockfights, yet governments remain silent in the name of tradition. Is this what Sanatana Dharma protection means?
Christian and Muslim communities do not allow such practices during Christmas or Ramadan. They safeguard their religious values with discipline.
The real threat to Hinduism appears to come from within, along with the silence of so-called protectors of Sanatana Dharma.
There is also irony in recent events. Attacks were carried out on the houses and family members of Ambati Rambabu and Jogi Ramesh, both of whom are Hindus.
A Jana Sena Party MLA who is a Hindu allegedly misbehaved with a married Hindu woman, leaving her distressed. Will Sanatana Dharma protectors speak for her?
Constantly raising the Tirumala laddu issue is unnecessary for Pawan Kalyan when the matter is already before the Supreme Court, SIT and CBI.
Instead of fueling unrest, focus should be on welfare, development and genuine protection of Hindu festivals like Sankranthi.
Even Maha Shivaratri is approaching. In some places in Guntur district, vulgar dances are expected to take place, a wrong practice that has been continuing for years, during this festivals.
Can Deputy Chief Minister pawan Kalyan stop this permanently as a Sanatani? Why could he not restrict cockfights and club dances during Sankranthi, especially in areas around his own constituency in the Godavari districts?
This clearly raises questions about the effectiveness of Pawan Kalyan. Is he not a failure as a self proclaimed so-called Sanathan Dharma Rakshak?
Madhunandan Akkishetty